Jobs in USA for Indians

Indian students in the USA can work on-campus and, under certain visa conditions, off-campus in specific roles. Knowing the rules tied to your visa type is key to staying compliant and making the most of your time in the U.S.

Overview of F-1 Visa Work Rules and Restrictions

F-1 students can work in the U.S., but only under strict rules. Violating these rules can lead to loss of visa status, deportation, or denial of future visas. Before starting any job, it’s important to understand the specific work allowed under the F-1 visa.

On-Campus Employment Rules

F-1 students are allowed to work on campus, but there are three key rules you must follow:

• Type of Job

On-campus jobs must not take work opportunities away from U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Approved positions include working in the library, bookstore, cafeteria, or as a research or teaching assistant.

• Work Hour Limits

Students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During official school breaks such as summer, winter holidays, or spring break, students may work up to 40 hours per week, as long as classes are not in session.

• Reporting Requirements

Before starting work, students must notify their Designated School Official (DSO). To receive a paycheck, students must also obtain a certification letter from their DSO to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Off-Campus Employment

F-1 students cannot work off-campus unless they receive specific authorization. Legal options include Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Severe Economic Hardship. Each of these options has its own eligibility requirements and approval process, explained in the following sections.

Legal Do’s and Don’ts: Avoiding Unauthorized Employment

F-1 visa students must follow U.S. federal work laws carefully. Below is a clear summary of the most important legal do’s and don’ts based on university and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidelines.

Many Indian graduates in the U.S. aim to stay and work after completing their studies. Here are some of the most in-demand job roles for Indian graduates:

Top Sectors & Roles (Tech, Healthcare, Finance)

The demand for Jobs in USA for Indian Freshers has grown with companies hiring globally for entry-level roles. Below is a breakdown of the most in-demand roles in each sector, with the skills and top employers you should know.

1. Technology

The tech industry continues to lead in job demand, especially for graduates with skills in computer science, software engineering, and data.

2. Healthcare & BioTech

As healthcare becomes more data-driven, roles combining tech and life sciences are growing in demand. Many multinational firms post openings for jobs in USA for indian graduates freshers, offering training and relocation support.

3. Finance & Business

Finance and business roles are ideal for graduates with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Salary Trends by Industry & City

Salaries for recent graduates in the U.S. vary by industry, location, and job role. Certain industries, such as hospitality and caregiving, offer job in USA for Indian 12th Pass opportunities with proper certification.

Below is a summary of entry-level salary ranges by industry:

Disclaimer: Rates are approximate and may vary; INR values depend on current exchange rates.

Best Cities for Indian Graduates (San Francisco, NYC, Austin)

Choosing the right city can impact jobs in USA for Indians, quality of life, and chances of visa sponsorship. Below is a comparison of San Francisco, New York City, and Austin, three of the most popular cities for Indian graduates starting their careers in the U.S.

F-1 international students in the U.S. are allowed to take part-time jobs while studying, either on-campus or through Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Each type of job comes with specific rules. Following these rules helps students stay in legal visa status and avoid problems with SEVIS or USCIS.

On-Campus Job Options and Salaries

F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester and up to 40 hours per week during official school breaks, such as summer or winter vacation. On-campus jobs are usually located at university buildings and may include roles like:

• Library or lab assistant
• Teaching or research assistant (mainly for graduate students)
• Dining hall or campus bookstore staff
• Administrative office assistant or peer tutor

Wages for on-campus jobs vary by university and state, but here are a few examples:

Disclaimer: Rates are approximate and may vary; INR values depend on current exchange rates.

Off-Campus Internships (CPT) Explained

Understanding how to get job in USA for indian freshers starts with researching OPT v/s CPT, and H-1B visa options. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a work authorization that lets F-1 students take internships or similar off-campus roles that are tied to their academic program. This includes internships, cooperative education, or practicum work.

Who Qualifies

Students must meet the following criteria:

• Have completed at least one full academic year in valid F-1 status (Graduate students may qualify earlier if the program requires it
• Have a confirmed job offer related to their field of study
• Be enrolled in a course or program where the job is part of the curriculum

Before work begins, the Designated School Official (DSO) must authorize CPT and issue a new Form I-20 showing the employment details.

CPT Work Limits

• Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
• Full-time: Over 20 hours per week during official breaks or if allowed by your program

Using 12 or more months of full-time CPT removes eligibility for OPT. Part-time CPT does not affect OPT.

Highest-Paying Part-Time Roles for Indian Students

Indian students on F-1 visas often look for part-time jobs that offer good pay and stay within U.S. visa rules. While most part-time jobs are on-campus or approved through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), some roles pay more than others based on skills, experience, and demand.

Below are some of the highest-paying part-time jobs that international students can explore:

Disclaimer: Rates are approximate and may vary; INR values depend on current exchange rates.

F-1 international students in the U.S. have the opportunity to gain full-time work experience after completing their studies through OPT. OPT is a temporary employment benefit that allows students to work in jobs directly related to their major field of study. It gives students up to 12 months of work authorization after graduation. Students in STEM fields may also qualify for a 24-month extension, known as STEM OPT.

Step-by-Step OPT Application Guide

Here’s how F-1 students can apply for OPT after completing their academic program.

Confirm Eligibility

You must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in the USA in a valid F-1 status.

2. Request OPT Recommendation

Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to request OPT in SEVIS. Your DSO will issue an updated Form I-20 with an OPT recommendation.

3. File Form I-765

Submit Form I-765 to USCIS, along with:

• OPT-endorsed I-20
• Copy of your passport
• 2 passport-style photos
• Filing fee

4. Apply on Time

Apply up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after graduation. Delayed applications may be denied.

5. Wait for the EAD Card

USCIS may take 3–5 months to process your request. You cannot start working until you receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

6. Report Employment

Once hired, report your employer’s information within 10 days via your DSO or the SEVP Portal.

7. Stay Within Limits

During OPT, you can be unemployed for up to 90 days. Going beyond this limit puts your F-1 status at risk.

STEM OPT Extension: Eligibility, Duration & Benefits

The STEM OPT extension gives F-1 students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics fields an extra 24 months of work authorization after completing their initial 12-month OPT. This extension helps students gain more hands-on experience while staying in legal F-1 status.

Eligibility

To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must meet all of the following conditions:

• Have a degree in a DHS-approved STEM field
• Be in a valid period of post-completion OPT based on that STEM degree
• File the STEM extension before the original OPT expires
• Work for an E-Verify employer (a federal system that checks employment eligibility)
• Submit a completed Form I-983 (Training Plan) signed by both the student and employer, showing how the job relates to the degree

Duration

The extension adds 24 months of work time, bringing the total maximum OPT period to 36 months for eligible students.

• This includes 12 months of initial OPT
• Followed by 24 months of STEM OPT if approved

Benefits

The STEM OPT extension offers several advantages for students and employers:

• More time for practical experience in the student’s field
• A structured training plan that builds job-specific skills
• The chance to receive another STEM OPT if the student earns a new qualifying degree at a higher level
• Ongoing work authorization while staying in F-1 status
• Regular check-ins every six months to report job details and confirm compliance

Common Mistakes to Avoid During OPT

Here are the most common mistakes F-1 students must watch out for while on OPT:

• Applying Late: Submit your OPT application within 60 days of your program end date to prevent denial.
• Exceeding 90 Days of Unemployment: Post-completion OPT allows only 90 days without work; exceeding this can terminate your SEVIS record.
• Missing STEM OPT Reports: STEM students must submit validation reports every 6 months and self-evaluations annually to maintain work authorization.

For F-1 international students, moving from OPT or STEM OPT to an H-1B visa is a key step toward long-term employment in the U.S. Success depends on early planning, choosing in-demand roles, and working with visa-friendly employers.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship Explained

The H-1B visa is a temporary work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in specialty occupations. These jobs must require specialized knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. To apply, the employer must file a petition with USCIS using Form I-129.

• Annual Cap: There is a limited number of H-1B visas issued each year, typically 65,000, including 20,000 reserved for U.S. master’s degree holders.
• Lottery System: Due to high demand, USCIS uses a random lottery to select eligible petitions.
• Employer Requirements: Employers must show that the job qualifies as a specialty occupation and maintain wage and labor condition standards.

Policy Updates & Strategic Tips for Indian Students

A major update includes a $100,000 (INR 88,03,398) petition fee for new H-1B filings. This change is meant to:

• Reduce program misuse
• Prioritize high-skilled, high-paid professionals
• Discourage low-wage job placements
• Protect the interests of U.S. workers

Employers must also meet stricter documentation and recruitment rules to ensure fair hiring practices.

Getting H-1B sponsorship is competitive, especially after OPT or STEM OPT. These tips can help:

• Start job hunting early: Apply at least 6–9 months before graduation
• Target STEM industries: Focus on sectors like tech, engineering, biotech, and data science
• Tailor your resume: Highlight specialized skills that fit H-1B criteria
• Network actively: Attend job fairs, LinkedIn events, and career services sessions
• Consider startups or R&D companies: Some may qualify for national interest exemptions
• Stay informed: Follow USCIS updates and policy announcements from official sources

Alternative Visa Options (L-1, O-1, Green Card)

If the H-1B path doesn’t work out, there are other legal ways to work or stay in the U.S.:

L-1 Visa (Intra-company Transfer)

• For employees working at a company’s foreign office who transfer to a U.S. office
• Requires 1 year of employment abroad in the past 3 years
• Applies to executives, managers, or specialized knowledge staff

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

• For individuals with outstanding achievements in science, arts, education, or business
• Requires proof of national or international recognition
• Evidence may include awards, media coverage, published work, and expert recommendations

Green Card (Permanent Residency)

• Can be employer-sponsored (EB-2 or EB-3), family-based, or via the Diversity Visa Lottery
• Many employment-based green card cases require PERM labor certification, unless waived for individuals with exceptional ability or national interest

Getting a job in the U.S. from India can be challenging, but it’s possible with the right preparation and strategy. Below are three key areas to help you improve your chances.

Building a US-Style Resume and LinkedIn Profile

A U.S. resume is usually one page (two for experienced professionals) and focuses on skills, achievements, and measurable results—not just duties.

Tips to build a U.S.-ready resume:

• Use bullet points: Start each line with action verbs like "led," "developed," or "analyzed"
• Quantify results: Example – “Improved system speed by 30% using Python automation”
• Tailor your resume to each job, focusing on keywords from the job description
• Remove personal info: No photo, date of birth, or marital status

LinkedIn profile tips:

• Use a professional headline (“Data Analyst | Python | SQL”) instead of just your job title
• Write a clear About section that highlights your skills and goals
• List projects, certifications, and tools you’ve used
• Request skill endorsements and recommendations from colleagues or mentors

A strong resume and profile help you stand out to both U.S. recruiters and automated applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Top Job Portals & Visa-Friendly Companies

When applying from India, it’s important to use platforms where employers are open to hiring international talent.

Best job portals:

• LinkedIn Jobs: Use filters for visa sponsorship or location-based roles
• Indeed.com: Look for U.S. job listings with “H-1B sponsorship available” in the description
• H1BGrader.com: Find companies with strong H-1B sponsorship records
• MyVisaJobs.com: Research employers who have filed visa petitions in the past

Top visa-friendly companies (based on past H-1B approvals):

• Amazon
• Google
• Microsoft
• Infosys
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
• Capgemini
• Deloitte

Use these sites to track job openings and see which companies consistently support international hiring.

Networking Tips and Career Fair Strategies

Networking plays a major role in landing jobs in the U.S.—especially if you’re applying from outside the country.

How to network effectively from India:

• Connect with alumni from U.S. universities who work in your field
• Join LinkedIn groups based on your industry or target location
• Attend virtual meetups, webinars, and conferences hosted by U.S. organizations
• Reach out to employees at your target companies with a short, polite message

Example: “Hi [Name], I admire your work at [Company]. I’m exploring similar roles and would appreciate any advice you might have.”

Career fair strategies (virtual or in-person):

• Research companies before the event and prepare questions
• Dress professionally (even for virtual fairs)
• Follow up with a thank-you message and LinkedIn connection request
• Have a digital or PDF version of your resume ready to send

There is steady demand for skilled professionals in fields like tech, finance, and healthcare, making jobs in USA for Indians a realistic goal. However, the process is competitive. Success often depends on timing, having in-demand skills, understanding visa rules, and applying to companies familiar with international hiring.

If you're planning to build a career in the U.S., Leap Scholar offers reliable support with university applications, career prep, and resources to help you make informed decisions.